PURPOSE: To obtain excellent picture information without damaging the picture information of an original even when picture density converting rate becomes larger by averaging color picture electric signals at every prescribed picture elements in each scanning direction according to each color component, and converting the picture density.
CONSTITUTION: A color image sensor 7 receives light by dividing one picture element into R, G and B color components, and the electric signals including the respective color components are supplied to a picture processing part 9. The picture element density converting means of the processing part 9 averages the signals at every prescribed picture elements according to the respective color components, and converts the picture element density. That is, color components R1 to Rn, G1 to Gn, and B1 to Bn of the respective picture elements are converted into digital signals by an A/D converting circuit 91, bit-shifts and divides them at every color component by a bit shift circuit 92, and the picture element signals divided to every color component are outputted. Further every prescribed picture elements are added by an adding means consisting of an adding circuit 93 and a register 94, and average values of the respective color components R'1 to R'n, G'1 to G'n, and B'1 to B'n are obtained.
NAKAYAMA TETSUO
MOCHIDA HIROHIKO
